I love this place! I have been in a number of times and am finally getting around to writing my review, so this will cover a few of my visits.
I was actually at a nearby restaurant on Portland having lunch and had finished up and was heading south, when I realized that I needed caffeine! I saw Portland Variety on the southwest corner of King and Portland so decided to give it a try. I had intended on just a cappuccino but ended up having an almond pastry. The cappuccino was great, and of course the foam art was spot on....but man....the almond pastry!!! Lots of butter in that bad boy for sure, but it was sooo good! I caught a glimpse of the cocktail menu as well and knew I would be back.
My next visit(s) were over lunch and I have been lucky to sample some of the cocktails. All of the bartenders have been very pleasant and talkative, which in my opinion is part of the experience. I have sampled an old fashioned, a last word, and a couple of the custom cocktails including the Kentucky trail and tequila bong, which each use smoke in their prep. For food I usually stick to the warm mushroom arugula salad and add the fish crudo, which makes for an excellent combination.